Broadway on the Rhône River 2

Playbill Travel guests and the brightest stars of Broadway explored the great cities and cultures of the Rhône River Valley on Uniworld River Cruises' intimate 159-guest luxury ship, the S.S. Catherine from April 7 - April 14, 2019.

Back by popular demand, Playbill Travel returned to the Rhône River in France! Our second Broadway on the Rhône River journey took us through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world while we enjoyed the spectacular food and wine of the Rhône Valley. We were swept away by the beauty of the scenery and the incredible talent on display in our evening concerts aboard Uniworld's luxury river super ship, the S.S. Catherine.

Along with having our special lineup of stars perform on the ship, once again we gave our passengers a truly special experience on land in the intimate town of Viviers. In 2017 we held an amazing concert in the Cathedral of Viviers, and both parties (Playbill Travel and the town of Viviers) really loved the "encore" performance this year!

Along with our Broadway stars, we brought a culinary expert on board to entertain and inform us of all the delicacies of the region through epicurean dinners throughout the week.

Ports of Call

We began in Avignon and made stops in Tarascon-sur-Rhône, Viviers, Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage, Lyon, and Mâcon. The magnificent S.S. Catherine took us on a tour of the most beautiful landscapes along the Rhône River.

Tarascon

We will visit nearby Arles to enjoy sites that inspired Van Gogh and some Roman monuments.

Tarascon

We will visit nearby Arles to enjoy sites that inspired Van Gogh and some Roman monuments for ancient history buffs. Passengers can also explore Tarascon itself and enjoy its Renaissance-era palace and museum devoted to the region’s famous textiles.

Avignon

We will ramble along shaded pedestrian streets to sample Provencal delicacies at the market hall. Passengers can also visit the Palace of the Popes, seat of Christianity during the 14th century, and stroll the historic Jewish quarter, with its neoclassical synagogue dating from 1846. This picturesque city seems straight from the pages of a history book, but inside its medieval walls, we will discover the prosperous heart of contemporary Avignon.

Viviers

Walking the streets of this medieval city is like stepping out of a time machine and into another age. We will stroll up the Rue du Chateau and admire the views from St. Vincent’s Cathedral, a structure built in the 1100's. The cathedral is also known for its beautiful music recitals, featuring the works of classical masters such as Puccini, Bach, and Handel.

Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage

Wine lovers will rejoice at this port of call, with not one but two wine-themed excursions. We will walk through Tournon and its castle, culminating in a Côtes du Rhône wine tasting at Tain L’Hermitage. Other passengers can take a guided hike through the luscious Hermitage vineyards and taste a variety of regional wines.

Mâcon

One of Burgundy’s most celebrated wine producers, Mâcon is home to the Hospices de Beaune, where monks create wine to fund their charitable causes. Beaune is also home to an open-air market, so passengers can continue to sample all the sumptuous cuisine the Rhone Valley has to offer.

Lyon

The capital of French cuisine, Lyon is respected worldwide for its unique gastronomic culture. We will sample some Lyonnaise delights on a tour of the Lyon food market, and other passengers can experience a real-life artisan demonstrate silk weaving in the Quartier St. Jean. A bicycle tour of the city is also available for passengers looking to stretch their legs.